Beer 'must be sold' at Brazil World Cup, says FifaComments (222) Beer has been banned at Brazilian football matches since 2003 Continue reading the main story Related StoriesBrazil's economy marching to samba beatBrazil looks to score World Cup legacyBrazil battles to be ready for 2014 World Cup

Beer must be sold at all venues hosting matches in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, football's world governing body, Fifa, has insisted.

Fifa General Secretary Jerome Valcke said the right to sell beer must be enshrined in a World Cup law the Brazilian Congress is considering.

Alcoholic drinks are currently banned at Brazilian stadiums and the country's health minister has urged Congress to maintain the ban in the new law.

Brewer Budweiser is a big Fifa sponsor.

Mr Valcke is visiting Brazil to press for progress on the much-delayed World Cup law.

Fifa has become frustrated, because voting on the legislation has been held up in Congress by the dispute over alcohol sales.

The Brazilian government has also failed to resolve differences with Fifa over cut-price tickets for students and senior citizens, and demands for sponsors of the World Cup to have their trademarks protected.

'Right to sell beer'

In remarks to journalists in Rio de Janeiro, Mr Valcke sounded frustrated with Brazilian officials:

"Alcoholic drinks are part of the Fifa World Cup, so we're going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that's something we won't negotiate," he said.

Mr Valcke criticised the pace of construction at Brazil's world cup venues "The fact that we have the right to sell beer has to be a part of the law."

Alcohol was banned at Brazilian football matches in 2003 in an attempt to tackle violence between rival football fans.

Health Minister Alexandre Padilha and other members of Congress have called for the ban to be maintained.

Mr Valcke said negotiations with Brazil over details of the World Cup had been slow.

"We lost a lot of time and we were not able to discuss with people in charge that are willing to make a decision," he said, adding that it was the first time a country was still in talks five years after winning the right to host the tournament.

During his visit to Brazil Mr Valcke has been touring the stadiums in 12 cities where the 2014 World Cup will be played.

He criticised the pace of construction and said Brazil had not yet improved its infrastructure to the level needed to welcome visitors.

Did anyone see the documentary last night? Heartbreaking stuff. Horrific what that girl and her family went through. Felt sorry for the step dad, completely fcuked his life up and he was main suspect for 18 years.How your man was ever released form prison to be allowed to this is beyond believe

Apologies if a thread has already been started for this but i wasnt for trawling through to find it!I was in Manchester last weeknd for the fight, and stumbled (literally) across a beer that i want to add to my locker. Its called Desperado, its a french beer 330ml bottles and is 6%. I tell ye it is rocket juice and nice also. Refreshing like Sol or Corona. I have def seen it about in Ireland and im looking to purchase a few for the BBQ this weekend. Were would be best value to get them?